Jade Plant Varieties

A comparison of the most popular Jade Plant varieties — learn which one is right for your space and skill level.

Variety Key Feature Care Difficulty Price Range
Crassula ovata (Standard) Glossy dark green oval leaves with red edges in bright light; thick woody trunk Easy Varies
Gollum (Hobbit) Tubular, trumpet-shaped leaves with concave tips; finger-like appearance Easy Varies
Variegata (Tricolor) Cream and green variegated leaves with pink edges; slower growing than standard Easy Varies
Hummel's Sunset Yellow-gold and red leaf margins that intensify with sun; sunset-colored foliage Easy Varies

Variety Details

Jade Plant Crassula ovata (Standard) variety — Glossy dark green oval leaves with red edges in bright light; thick woody trunk

Crassula ovata (Standard)

The classic Jade Plant with thick, oval, glossy dark green leaves that develop red edges in bright light. Develops a thick woody trunk with age.

Distinguishing feature: Glossy dark green oval leaves with red edges in bright light; thick woody trunk

Care notes: Standard Jade Plant care. Most forgiving variety. Great for beginners.

Jade Plant Gollum (Hobbit) variety — Tubular, trumpet-shaped leaves with concave tips; finger-like appearance

Gollum (Hobbit)

A quirky variety with tubular, trumpet-shaped leaves that have a suction cup-like dimple at the tip. Often called "Finger Jade." The leaves look like green alien fingers.

Distinguishing feature: Tubular, trumpet-shaped leaves with concave tips; finger-like appearance

Care notes: Same care as standard. Slightly slower growing. Needs equally bright light to maintain compact shape.

Jade Plant Variegata (Tricolor) variety — Cream and green variegated leaves with pink edges; slower growing than standard

Variegata (Tricolor)

A stunning variegated variety with creamy white and pale yellow stripes on the leaves, sometimes with pink blush on new growth.

Distinguishing feature: Cream and green variegated leaves with pink edges; slower growing than standard

Care notes: Needs slightly more light to maintain variegation. More sensitive to overwatering — white portions are weaker. Less cold tolerant.

Jade Plant Hummel's Sunset variety — Yellow-gold and red leaf margins that intensify with sun; sunset-colored foliage

Hummel's Sunset

An award-winning variety with striking golden yellow and red leaf margins that intensify with sun exposure. The foliage puts on a spectacular color show.

Distinguishing feature: Yellow-gold and red leaf margins that intensify with sun; sunset-colored foliage

Care notes: Needs bright light for best color development. Same drought-tolerant care as standard. Color fades in low light.